Cystic fibrosis - nutritional considerations

Definition:

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a life-threatening disease that causes thick, sticky mucus to build up in the lungs and digestive tract. Persons with cystic fibrosis need to eat high-calorie and high-protein foods throughout the day.

Function:

The pancreas is an organ in the abdomen behind the stomach. An important job of the pancreas is to make enzymes. These enzymes help the body digest and absorb protein and fats. A buildup of sticky mucus in the pancreas from cystic fibrosis can lead to serious problems, including:

Stools that contain mucus, are foul smelling, or float

Gas, bloating, or distended belly

Problems getting enough protein, fat, and calories in the diet

Because of these problems, a person with cystic fibrosis may have a hard time managing a normal weight. Even when weight is normal, a person may not be getting the right nutrition. Children with cystic fibrosis may not grow or develop correctly.

Recommendations:

The following are methods for adding protein and calories to the diet.

Enzymes, vitamins, and salt:

Most people with cystic fibrosis must take pancreatic enzymes. These enzymes help your body absorb fat and protein. Taking them all the time will decrease or get rid of foul-smelling stools, gas, and bloating.

Add marshmallows to fruit or hot chocolate. Add raisins, dates, or chopped nuts and brown sugar to hot or cold cereals, or have them for snacks.

A teaspoon of butter or margarine adds 45 calories to foods. Mix it into hot foods such as soups, vegetables, mashed potatoes, cooked cereal, and rice. Serve it on hot foods -- hot breads, pancakes, or waffles absorb more butter than cool ones.

Use sour cream or yogurt on vegetables such as potatoes, beans, carrots, or squash. It can also be used as a dressing for fruit.

Breaded meat, chicken, and fish have more calories than broiled or plain roasted.

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